Pakistan thrashed Canada by 64-24 at Punjab Stadium Lahore on Friday to launch their Kabaddi World Cup campaign in style.

Earlier, a colourful opening ceremony was held at the Punjab Stadium in which Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Punjab Assembly Speaker Ch Parvez Elahi and a large crowd participated in it.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Assembly Speaker Ch Parvez Elahi welcomed the foreign teams arrived for the world cup. He said he was happy because Pakistan is hosting Kabaddi World Cup 2020.

President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Ch Shafay Hussain lauded Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Punjab Assembly Speaker Ch Parvez Elahi and Provincial Minister for Sports Rai Taimur for making possible holding of World Cup for the first time in Pakistan.

Afterwards, the chief minister presented memorial shields to Punjab Assembly speaker and Pakistan Kabaddi Federation President Ch Shafay Hussain whereas Provincial Minister for Sports Rai Taimur Bhatti also presented memorial shields to the chief minister and the PA speaker.

Pakistan will play its next match against Kenya on February 11 at 7:30pm in Lahore.

In another match, Iran beat Sierra Leone by 60-19.

Nine foreign teams are participating in the Kabaddi World Cup besides the hosts Pakistan including India, Australia, Iran, Canada, Sierra Leone, Germany, Azebaijan, Kenya and England.